Examination of Biological and Economic Characteristics of Introduced Walnut Cultivars and Recommendations for Spreading

Abstract

Plantation cultivation of grafted walnuts in Bosnia and Herzegovina did not exist until 6 years ago. Walnut seedlings (Juglans regia L) were mainly planted, which showed all the shortcomings related to the trees obtained from the seeds. In the last 5 years, there has been interest in planting grafted walnuts, so in this regard there was a need for controlled introduction of varieties suitable for this area. Research was conducted during 2020 - 2021 at four walnut tree cultivars, Chandler, Franquette, Fernor i Fernette. The aim of the research is to determine how certain varieties behave in agroecological conditions of the Majevica region and on that basis to give a proposal of the best variety for further spread in the area of this region. The research was conducted within the project number 02 / 9-712-1-5-3 / 21. The research was carried out at the Skakava Gornja site at an altitude of 192 m with a southwestern exposure (plot I) and a northeastern exposure at 172 m above sea level (plot II), with a terrain slope of 8%. The research related to vegetative growth included counting and measuring the average, then the minimum and maximum growth during two years. Yield monitoring included counting and measuring fruit number, average fruit size and calculating average yield. Generally the Chandler and Franquette varieties planted on the I plot had a stronger growth. Taking into account the vegetative growth, the number and size of fruits as well as the yield in the observed period, the Chandler and Franquette varieties are recommended for further expansion.